NORTH DIGHTON – Marie (Marshall) Ortiz, 94, died at her North Dighton home on Feb. 5, 2013.
Born, raised and educated in Berkley, she was the daughter of the late Joseph and Maria (Cunha)Marshall.
A homemaker for most of her adult life, she attended Liberty Christian Church of Taunton.
Marie put her faith in Jesus Christ many years ago. She would sing old hymns like, The Old Rugged Cross and Little White Church on the Vale at the kitchen table.
She believed 'God doesn't sleep' and when things got tough "Jesus help us" was a short prayer that always got answered.
A little lady who would rather help her brothers work on a tractor motor than do dishes, she helped her sons work on their cars and motorcycles too.
Say “military” and she perked up; a proud American who prayed for our troops and occasionally practiced her salute in her kitchen.
Growing up on a farm, Marie loved all types of animals. Caring for God's little creatures came naturally to her and so did music.
She sang, played guitar, and harmonica. Her yodeling earned her the name, "The Texas Cowgirl" performing in many places in Massachusetts and even the Grand Ole Opry.
A self-taught artist, she was known for scenes she painted on shells.
She loved her family and friends.
The simple things in life made her happy; sharing stories of life's experiences, good food (she enjoyed a good fried egg) and going out to dinner on Sundays, especially when her Grandson came along.
She had a great sense of humor and always made you laugh.
Marie will be sadly missed by everyone who knew her.
Survivors include three sons, Robert Barnes and his wife Eleanor of Berkley, Ricardo Ortiz and his wife Rhonda of Foster, RI and Edward Ortiz and his wife Diana of N. Dighton; a daughter, Rose Dyer of N. Dighton; and six grandchildren, Joe, Kerri, Eric, Devin, Seth and Emily.
She was “Nana the Great” to her great granddaughter, Kayda.
Marie was also the sister of the late Joseph, Antone, Manuel and Frank Marshall.
Funeral Services will be held at the Silva Funeral Home, 80 Broadway, Taunton on Monday, Feb. 11th at 11 a.m. followed by burial at St. Joseph Cemetery.
Relatives and friends are invited to attend.
The family will receive visitors from 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., prior to the services.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Disabled American Veterans, DAV.dav.org/donate or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital www.stjude.org/donate.
Funeral home website: www.silvafuneralhome.com.